This homemade Peppermint Mocha is a cozy, chocolatey drink with a hint of mint — like your favorite seasonal coffee shop order, but made in pajamas. It’s quick, costs less than a fancy latte, and comes together in 15 minutes with stuff you probably already have. Add whipped cream. No one’s stopping you.
Quick Summary
- Prep time: 10 mins
- Cook time: 5 mins
- Flavor: minty, chocolatey, warm
- Great for: cold mornings, long nights, staying upright
Why I Like This Recipe
It’s fast, easy, and kind of saves my mood every time. That chocolate + peppermint combo? Honestly hits harder than it should.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1–2 tbsp peppermint syrup (from above)
- 1 cup hot coffee or espresso
- 1 cup steamed milk (I used oat)
- 2 tbsp whipped cream
- 1 tsp extra syrup (for drizzle)
How To Make McCafe Peppermint Mocha
- Make the syrup: Stir sugar and cocoa together in a small pot. Add water, simmer 3–4 mins. Turn off heat, stir in peppermint extract. Done.
- Brew the coffee: Hot and strong. Go with espresso if you’ve got it. Regular coffee works too.
- Froth the milk: Use a frother or whisk it over low heat until warm and foamy. Doesn’t need to be perfect.
- Assemble your mocha: Add 1–2 tbsp syrup to your mug. Pour in coffee, then milk. Stir gently.
- Top it right: Whipped cream goes on top. Drizzle a bit of extra syrup. Sprinkle nutmeg or crushed candy if you’re fancy.
- Drink it warm: Best sipped slow while sitting still. Or pacing the kitchen. Your choice.

Tips for Success
- Stir cocoa + sugar first — avoids clumps
- Don’t go overboard with peppermint. Start with a little
- Frothing milk adds café vibes, but warmed milk works fine
- Store extra syrup in the fridge for the week
Storage and Reheating
- Fridge: Keep leftover syrup in a jar, up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Nope. It’s a no-bake drink, not soup.
- Reheat: Warm mocha on the stove with a splash of milk or zap it gently in the microwave. Stir well before sipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need an espresso machine?
Nope. Strong coffee works. But espresso makes it bolder. - Can I make it dairy-free?
Totally. Oat, almond, or soy milk all work — just steam or warm them gently. - Is the syrup super minty?
Depends on how much you use. Start with 1 tbsp and taste. - What’s the best way to froth milk at home?
Use a hand frother, French press, or small whisk on the stove. Just heat and whip. - How long does the syrup last?
About a week in the fridge. Shake it before using.
Common Mistakes and How to Dodge Them
- Too much peppermint extract: Seriously. A little goes a long way. Start small, add more only if needed.
- Overheating the syrup: You want a simmer, not a full boil. It thickens as it cools.
- Using instant coffee: It’ll work… but it won’t hit the same. Brew fresh if possible.
- Skipping the whipped cream: Technically optional, but it really pulls the drink together. Adds that softness.
- Forgetting to stir: If your mocha separates, it’s usually because the syrup wasn’t mixed in well enough. Stir gently but fully.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 244 kcal
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 65mg
- Potassium: 125mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 43g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 40g
- Protein: 3g
You Might Also Like:
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- McCafe Caramel Cappuccino – Easy McDonald’s Copycat
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- Iced Coffee – Easy McDonald’s Copycat
McCafe Peppermint Mocha– Easy McDonald’s Copycat
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: No-Bake2
servings10
minutes5
minutes244
kcalCreamy, chocolate-mint comfort in a mug — fast, cozy, and cheaper than a coffee shop.
Ingredients
1 cup sugar
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1 cup water
1 tsp peppermint extract
1–2 tbsp peppermint syrup
1 cup hot coffee
1 cup steamed milk
2 tbsp whipped cream
1 tsp peppermint syrup for topping
Directions
- Make syrup: Simmer sugar, cocoa, and water. Stir in extract.
- Brew hot coffee.
- Steam or whisk milk until warm and frothy.
- Add syrup to mug, then coffee, then milk. Stir gently.
- Top with whipped cream + syrup drizzle. Serve warm.
Notes
- Peppermint extract is strong — go slow.
- Use fresh coffee for best flavor.
- Whipped cream makes it feel like a treat.